Chapter 101: Return to Windsor Castle

After a flash of white light, the surroundings changed dramatically. Seeing Kyle’s pale face beside him, Verlin steadied him and led the two horses to a resting spot.

“Feeling better now?”

“Thank you, my lord. I’m much improved,” Kyle replied, his cheeks regaining their color, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

“No worries. It’s your first time using a long-distance teleportation array; it’s normal to feel uneasy,” Verlin comforted, patting Kyle’s shoulder.

The two then led their horses out of the teleportation hall, stepping onto the clean, orderly streets. Taking in the provincial capital of the Western River region, their spirits lifted.

“Time’s tight. I’ll show you around next time,” Verlin said with a smile, mounting his horse as he caught the hopeful gleam in Kyle’s eyes.

“My lord, I was too eager,” Kyle admitted.

Their horses’ hooves echoed on the cobblestones as they passed through bustling streets and smoothly exited the city.

After three days and two nights of travel, Verlin finally arrived at the Silver Prosperity County within the Eagle Territory of the Western River region.

Everything around remained harmonious. Compared to the borderlands, the common folk of the Eagle Territory lived far more fortunate lives. They had the means to send their children to school and pursue professional paths, with clear opportunities for advancement.

Within his own domain, Verlin boldly displayed his family crest.

Whether soldiers on patrol, traveling merchants, or busy townsfolk, upon seeing the Ex family emblem on Verlin’s chest, no fear or dread appeared in their eyes—only respect and gratitude for all the Ex family had given them.

Along the way, Kyle had been shocked numerous times.

He knew his lord’s family was powerful, but he never imagined they were so beloved.

“Kyle, in the Eagle Territory, serfdom does not exist,” Verlin explained excitedly as they neared Windsor Castle.

“Here, every commoner has a path upward. They can send their children for free vocational testing and enroll them in the Warrior Academy, Knight Academy, Mage Academy, and other institutions. The most talented are recruited and nurtured by the Ex family.”

“Baird and the others rose through these channels, which is why each of them is quite capable.”

Meanwhile, within Windsor Castle:

“Master, Young Lord Verlin has returned to the Western River region and will reach Windsor Castle in three hours,” reported a shadowy scout kneeling respectfully.

Angus held several sheets of paper detailing information about Verlin over the past two years.

“Inform the lady—Verlin is home.”

“Yes, sir.”

A butler stepped forward to bow before leaving the study.

“You may leave as well.”

“Yes, master.”

The shadowy figure vanished gradually.

Angus approached the bookshelf, took down a book titled *Records of the Heirs’ Growth*, and opened it to Verlin’s section, slipping the papers inside.

His eldest son, Elyseus, had been undergoing trials with Count Iverius of the Hurricane domain for three years.

His second daughter, Orsaya, was now a Golden Knight of the Temple Knights—one of the three great knight orders of the Kingdom of Ilya Life Church—and also a golden priestess of the Goddess of Life, a source of comfort.

His third daughter, Clara, rebellious by nature, had become an adventurer and was recently seen in the Elswyn Forest Elven Kingdom—a troublesome daughter.

His fourth son, Lysis, had ventured into the great Leia Forest to pioneer new lands. Though it had been dangerous, he had grown greatly and showed promise.

His fifth son, Verlin, was the most surprising of all. Continuously escaping danger and turning misfortune to fortune, some of the intelligence was beyond Angus’s comprehension.

A mysterious legendary powerhouse, inexplicably amassing wealth and possessing astonishing luck—so mysterious that Angus sometimes doubted he was truly his son.

“Well, everyone has their own fate,” Angus muttered, shaking his head as he returned the book to the shelf.

His five children ranged in age from nearly fifty to twenty.

But that was nothing unusual—for Angus himself had married the youngest daughter of the Duke of Moravia under his father’s pressure at nearly sixty.

Less than twenty years into their marriage, Angus was forcibly installed as the Eagle Count by his father, and he traveled the kingdom with his wife.

As for his wife, Elisa Moravia, Angus was very satisfied and deeply loved her.

Learned and gentle, kind-hearted, mild-mannered, and not weak in strength.

Once Elyseus completed his trials, the arranged marriage plans would need to be addressed.

…

Within a secondary keep of Windsor Castle, Angus’s wife Elisa, upon hearing of their son’s return, was delighted and instructed the head maid:

“Inform the kitchen to prepare part of the green wild beast my father sent.”

“Yes, madam,” responded the head maid, Lelia, before leaving the room.

After a long and arduous journey, Verlin gazed fondly at the nearby Windsor Castle, full of nostalgia.

“Young Lord Verlin.”

At the castle entrance, a knight on duty struck his chest in salute and greeted respectfully.

Verlin understood well why no one around appeared surprised.

By the time he had entered the Eagle Territory, his father Angus had likely already known his whereabouts.

Skillfully handing over the Red Phosphorus and Blue-Violet horses to servants, Verlin stepped onto the stone path of Windsor Castle, making his way toward the main keep.

“Kyle, wait here. I’m going to see my father.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Kyle quietly sat on a nearby stone bench.

Verlin took a deep breath, patted the storage book hidden at his chest, and strode toward his father’s study.

Arriving at the familiar door, he gently knocked.

“Come in.”

Hearing his father’s familiar and authoritative voice, Verlin pushed open the door and entered the study.

“Father.”

“Hm, you’ve returned safely.”

Angus set down his pen and looked up at Verlin with a warm smile.

Seeing his father’s kindly expression, Verlin’s nervousness gradually eased.

“Father, this time I have come mainly to give you something.”

Verlin produced the storage book from his chest, approached his father, opened to the first page, and began to explain:

“This is a Golden Apple Tree, something I obtained by chance. I lack the ability to care for it. This plant can only grow in a high magical energy environment and requires a druid’s constant care to soothe its spirit.”

“The fruit borne by the Golden Apple Tree can enhance cultivation talent.”

Listening to Verlin’s explanation, Angus’s face showed astonishment as he said gravely, “Where did you acquire such a treasure?”

Verlin gave a rough account, omitting all crucial details.

Angus did not expose the inconsistencies in the story.

Everyone had their secrets. Even as Verlin’s father, he respected his son’s privacy.

Eagle Territory: roughly like this.